Identifying phage proteins that activate the bacterial innate immune system

The preprint operates within the dominant paradigm of molecular biology and genetics, specifically focusing on the co-evolutionary arms race between bacteria and bacteriophages. It adheres to the established understanding of bacterial immune systems and phage infection mechanisms.

This preprint firmly falls within the "Normal Science" stage of Kuhn's paradigm cycle. The research aims to expand the current knowledge of phage triggers activating bacterial immune systems, working within the existing framework of bacterial immunity and phage-host interactions. The study identifies novel phage triggers and a new defense system (PD-T2-1), and characterizes the activator of a previously known system (Avs8). These discoveries contribute to the existing body of knowledge and refine the understanding of bacterial immune system diversity and mechanisms. There is no evidence of challenging the fundamental assumptions of the field or proposing a radical shift in understanding. While the discovery of novel systems and triggers adds detail and complexity, it does not fundamentally alter the existing paradigm. Therefore, the classification is definitively Normal Science.